We Need Your Support to Bring future Leaders to TROY

We are trying to raise support to host Boys State, Girls State, and HOBY this summer and for years to come at Troy University. Your gifts allow us to compete to bring these important programs to Troy University each year by reducing the costs for the high school participants.  These programs not only serve as important leadership seminars for some of the best and brightest high school students in our state, but they also expose those students to Troy University and all our institution has to offer.  

We are particularly excited that Alabama Girls State will be returning to Troy University in 2022 for the first time since 2012.

A mission of the American Legion Auxiliary, the program provides the opportunity for students to participate in a hands-on citizenship training program that spans nearly 80 years in Alabama.

The American Legion Auxiliary Girls State program, open to high school junior girls, seeks to develop leadership and pride in American citizens, educate citizens about the system of government and instill an understanding of American traditions.

“Troy University and Girls State share the mission of developing and equipping the next generation of leaders for our state, nation and world,” said Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr., Chancellor. “Girls State stresses the ideals of patriotism and good, engaged citizenship – values that are at the very heart of TROY – and, we are pleased to once again host these students on our campus in 2022.”

Girls State will convene on the Troy Campus June 5-10, where delegates will organize cities, vote on officials, develop and pass legislation and hear from the state’s real-life elected officials.

“American Legion Auxiliary Girls State is excited to be coming back to Troy University’s campus. Troy University has completed extensive upgrades and renovations and we look forward to experiencing everything TROY has to offer,” said Lee Sellers, Girls State Director in Alabama. “Dr Hawkins and his first-rate staff bent over backwards to accommodate the American Legion Auxiliary’s Alabama Girls State program, and we’re happy to be back.”

Barbara Patterson, TROY’s Director of Student Involvement, believes TROY is the perfect fit to host the program.

“Troy University reflects the values of patriotism and citizenship on which Girls State is based,” Patterson said. “The program and the University are both committed to helping prepare students to move forward into leadership roles to better serve their communities. We look forward to hosting them on campus next summer.”

In addition to Girls State, Troy University will also host Alabama Boys State, presented by the American Legion, May 28-June 4, 2022 on the Troy Campus.

Alabama Boys State is one of the highest honors granted to Alabama students. Students from across the state are chosen based on their demonstration of leadership, hard work, strong morals, and motivation in school and community activities. Boys State week is a full and active week held on the campus of Troy University.

At Boys State, student delegates will find the opportunity to build new friendships, participate in a mock government, and hear from and meet a diverse array of Alabama leaders such as Congressmen, state elected officials, business leaders, civic leaders, and others. Delegates will have the opportunity to join interest groups that focus on their individual areas of interest such as law school, fire college, law enforcement academy, aerospace academy, lobbyists, city government, county government, constitutional convention, engineer/computer academy, and environmental interest group. Delegates will also have activity time during which they can participate in recreational activities such as basketball, volleyball, softball, soccer, academic bowl, etc.

The American Legion believes there is no better way to assure the survival of our republic than to train our young people in the ideals and objectives of American government. By teaching youth to understand and appreciate the basic principles involved in the successful management of a democratic society, we can keep America strong and ensure freedom for future generations. These are the distinguished, long-standing objectives of American Legion Boys States.

Founded in 1958, HOBY’s mission is to inspire and develop our global community of youth and volunteers to a life dedicated to leadership, service, and innovation. HOBY programs are conducted annually throughout the United States, serving local and international high school students. HOBY provides students, for whom most are selected by their schools, the opportunity to participate in unique leadership training, service-learning, and motivation-building experiences, beginning a lifelong dedication to improving the lives of others. Due to the selfless efforts of volunteers and the contributions of generous donors, more than 10,000 students participate in HOBY programs annually.

If you would like to donate to this project by mail, please direct checks made out to the Troy University Foundation to 301 Adams Administration Building; Troy, AL 36082 and indicate your gift is for Summer Student Leadership Seminars.  If you have any questions, please contact the Troy University Office of Development at (334) 670-3608.